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Archived here are discussion threads from the early years of the Bass Technique Forum. If you have something to add to any of these topics, go ahead and post a message. Your contribution will revive the thread and send it back to the main Forum page.

Mark
Tue, Dec 26 2006
slap and pop
1 Response (last posting: Sun, Dec 31 2006)

Hi everyone, I've been playin the bass for a little while... could someone explain how to do the slap and pop techniques correctly?
pete
Mon, Dec 25 2006
new bass
3 Responses (last posting: Sun, Dec 31 2006)

i finally saved enough for a new bass and want something real good for slap bass and les claypool like playing. i want a four string and have 250.00-400.00$ to spend. any advice...
Edwin
Sat, Dec 2 2006
Right hand picking
2 Responses (last posting: Mon, Dec 4 2006)

Great forum! I have two questions on right hand picking Question 1) In search for articles on improving right-hand speed for bass players I frequently come upon articles that...
Pete
Sun, Nov 26 2006
Bass tremelo
2 Responses (last posting: Mon, Dec 4 2006)

Where can i get a cheap bass tremelo for my four string?
spilt milk
Thu, Nov 9 2006
cutting back on extra noise
6 Responses (last posting: Fri, Dec 1 2006)

One of my biggest problems as a bass play is keeping strings quiet when I switch from one string to another. Is there a technique that I am missing out on? (or just bad technique) Any...
Bennny28
Wed, Nov 1 2006
Best bass for me?
4 Responses (last posting: Fri, Dec 22 2006)

hey, I am 14 and I am in a heavy metal/hard rock band, what is a good sounding bass for that kind of music (don't care about price). Your opinions please.
Pete
Wed, Nov 1 2006
bass pickups creation
1 Response (last posting: Sat, Dec 2 2006)

I would like to build my own pickups any feed back, help , or info please post.
Dave
Wed, Oct 4 2006
jammin'
1 Response (last posting: Sun, Oct 15 2006)

hey i have a simple question. anyone got any ideas/techniques/tips i could have to do just jamming like on scales and make it sound good like if i were to play it with a jam song...
jazzyla
Tue, Oct 3 2006
pick-up change
No Responses

Alright fellow bass player's of the world: I have several working basses that I love dearly (1) a five string Roscoe,(2)a Pedulla Penta buzz frettless(both have Bartolini's in...
Dave
Mon, Oct 2 2006
bass jamming
No Responses

hi ive been playing for a while and im really intrested in how oteil burbridge, the new bassist for allman brotheres plays along with the former bass players. what i mean is the...
Alex
Fri, Sep 22 2006
Poor Technique
5 Responses (last posting: Tue, Oct 31 2006)

Hey I have really poor technique. Iv'e been playing for just over two years and start to have problems when crossing strings at a fair speed. It is mainly my right hand but also...
lisae
Mon, Sep 11 2006
left hand - wrist pain!
4 Responses (last posting: Mon, Oct 16 2006)

Hi, I am reasonably new to playing the bass and my left wrist is hurting quite badly. I have played alot of the weekend and i am wondering what advice any of you can give me to...
Anonymous
Fri, Sep 8 2006

No Responses

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Anonymous
Sun, Sep 3 2006

No Responses

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Steel
Sat, Sep 2 2006
Hi or Lo Action
1 Response (last posting: Tue, Sep 12 2006)

curious to know about peoples opinions on the pro/cons of hi action or low action basses - current bass is a Squier P-Bass which has a fairly low action which doesnt reallly give...
Chris
Fri, Aug 25 2006
Fuzz
No Responses

Does anyone here know the technique that Fuzz(Steve Kmak) from Disturbed uses? Is it three fingers?...
Alan
Tue, Aug 22 2006
String skiping, Right hand
2 Responses (last posting: Wed, Aug 23 2006)

A friend of mine showed a way to skip strings in a very economical way, and I was just woundering what you think of it. It goes like this: Lets say your playing a repeated...
Groovemasta
Mon, Jul 31 2006
Solo's
3 Responses (last posting: Wed, Aug 9 2006)

I am currently in a blues/country shuffle band. We are five piece with two guitarists and i find it every annoying when there are like 4 guitar solos per song and I just get to...
Anonymous
Sun, Jul 30 2006

No Responses

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kevin
Thu, Jul 27 2006
polyrhythms and such
1 Response (last posting: Thu, Jul 27 2006)

hey, i've really only played bass for a little under two years, but i was wondering if anyone has any pointers or any links to where i can learn more about bass polyrhythms and...
Anonymous
Tue, Jul 11 2006

No Responses

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bass playin budha
Mon, Jun 26 2006
lead bass technique
2 Responses (last posting: Mon, Jul 17 2006)

hey guys ive been playin bass for 3 years,ive become extremely good in my time of playing but i have hit a rut. im stuck at playing the same style( kind of a blues contemperary...
adam
Thu, Jun 22 2006
slap bass players
4 Responses (last posting: Sat, Sep 16 2006)

anyone know of any up and coming slap bass players? i feel like there is a shortage of slap bass playing goin on. Getting tired of the usuals, looking for some young energetic...
Ben Williams
Tue, Jun 6 2006
Stretching to Warm Up
No Responses

I've seen a lot of concern among bassplayers and other musicians about repetitive stress problems - but years ago I applied some yoga principles to develop some stretching exercises...
F-Clef Martyr The Arachnidroid
Tue, Jun 6 2006
Oh no.
No Responses

Repetative Stress Injury. Bass. 3 hour fretting Marathons. Numb Ulnar Nerve. Shit....
KJ
Sun, Jun 4 2006
Tuning C G D A?
4 Responses (last posting: Wed, Aug 30 2006)

I have been recently experimenting with my bass and trying out tuning in fifths. I know these orchestra guys do it on the upright bass, but at the moment i find it quite difficult...
Dylan
Sat, Jun 3 2006
Walking or picking
No Responses

wich one is better because picking is easier for me. but should i keep w/ the metronome and get better a walking?...
mac
Wed, May 31 2006
slap bass
9 Responses (last posting: Wed, Aug 30 2006)

hey, I'm 15 and I've been playing bass for about 3 months now. I practice every day for about an hour a day. I've been trying slap bass and looked at all the forums on this subject....
Anonymous
Wed, May 31 2006

No Responses

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Soundsofthesilent
Wed, May 3 2006
Drop C# tuning
1 Response (last posting: Thu, May 11 2006)

I'm playin with an ErnieBall Sterling and my band plays in an Eflat tuning with the E string dropped down to C#, the problem im having is when i get up to the twelth fret my bass...
Anonymous
Mon, May 1 2006

No Responses

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Anonymous
Mon, May 1 2006

No Responses

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noname
Sun, Apr 30 2006
unwanted pick scrape
6 Responses (last posting: Sat, Sep 9 2006)

Hello, I desperately want to be able to play with a pick, but my when I do, I get a ton of noise from the pick scraping across the strings. I can only get rid of this if there...
Anonymous
Sat, Apr 29 2006

No Responses

...
Maru521
Fri, Apr 28 2006
Upright Right Hand Technique
2 Responses (last posting: Thu, Jun 1 2006)

Has anyone ever had an instructor, or seen a book or video on using more than 2 fingers in your right-hand, jazz double-bass technique? While innocently viewing an old Norman...
Anonymous
Thu, Apr 27 2006

No Responses

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Anonymous
Thu, Apr 27 2006

No Responses

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Pankreas
Thu, Apr 27 2006
Gear
No Responses

Oh jeah, By the way. If any of you ever asked yourself how Ryan gets his sound? Go with ampeg and warwick,No shit! and for some extra blast only the SAD sub 800....
Pankreas
Thu, Apr 27 2006
Ryan Martinie
No Responses

I am a 27 jear old bassist from switzerland, name alex, i played bass guitar sience 15 jears and have been playing in several jass bands. sience i always wanted to play in a metal...
boom
Wed, Apr 26 2006
Pop
1 Response (last posting: Sat, May 6 2006)

I recently started playing bass and i dont really undderstand how to pop a string. Someone explain please.
Thomas
Wed, Apr 19 2006
Slapping the fretless
5 Responses (last posting: Fri, Apr 21 2006)

Hey bass dudes - Greetings from Copenhagen, Denmark, Europe First I'd like to thank u all for contributing to this forum. I've been reading in it alot, and I've found a great...
Slither
Sun, Apr 16 2006
Mark
No Responses

A person commented on finding bios on Flea and Les Claypool and you said that you 'never' found their lines hard to play. That (if true)is awsome! can you or anyone? give me some...
Tristan
Tue, Mar 14 2006
Double Picking On Bass
12 Responses (last posting: Mon, Sep 18 2006)

I have been recently trying to explore different techniques on bass, and I started listening to rancid. I noticed Freeman has a clean technique for doublepicking on his bass where...
Jango
Thu, Mar 9 2006
Scales
4 Responses (last posting: Fri, Mar 10 2006)

hello ppl. Needed some info on scales. i know all my scales and practice them everyday. now i want to move a step foward and want to implement these scales in my playing. How...
Sonny T
Wed, Mar 1 2006
Carpel Tunnel
1 Response (last posting: Fri, Apr 21 2006)

If you look at the right wrist position endorsed by the author on Page 29 you will notice that the wrist is at a 90 degree angle. This extreme flexsion of the wrist is a primary...
Patrick
Wed, Mar 1 2006
Strings
4 Responses (last posting: Sun, Nov 12 2006)

Hey. I have a 5-String Yamahah Bass, and I was wondering if I there is a certain type of string that would help my slapping. I am having a little trouble, but I think it may...
Sandor
Thu, Feb 23 2006
slap da DOUBLE-BASS
1 Response (last posting: Fri, Jun 2 2006)

Is there anybody who know some slap infos, !!!anything!!! ABOUT SLAPPING THE CONTRABASS ??? let me know sandor.kem@gmail.com
Red
Tue, Feb 21 2006
Simultanious slapping
3 Responses (last posting: Fri, Mar 17 2006)

So, i've been listening to a wise range of music. I've come across a lot of bassist's doing what i would refer to as a "Simultanious" slap. Slapping two or even three chords at...
Jango
Mon, Feb 6 2006
Jamming and the basics
3 Responses (last posting: Sat, Feb 18 2006)

Hello ppl, i have been playing the bass for abt 1 yr now and i live in india. there is a shortage of bass players and teachers for that matter so i decided to take up bass. i have...
Ray A.
Fri, Jan 20 2006
simple effects
2 Responses (last posting: Mon, Mar 13 2006)

I play bass for classic country and bluegrass. I would like to be able to simulate acoustic bass with my electric. I see all kinds of effects boxes and stomp boxes on the market,...
Vince
Fri, Jan 13 2006
what noise should slapping make?
2 Responses (last posting: Tue, Jan 31 2006)

ive been learnin to slap and ive had a problem cause i realli hav no idea on wat sorta noise slappin should make
craigory kid
Sat, Jan 7 2006
new bass
5 Responses (last posting: Thu, Mar 2 2006)

i am still in the market for a new bass guitar and i would like advice for purchasing one and also advice on how i should learn to play and all that ima newb so yeah any help is...
Gabe
Tue, Jan 3 2006
Drop C tuning on my bass
1 Response (last posting: Mon, Mar 13 2006)

ok i have been playing bass for about 4 years now but only about 2.5 steadily....been in a few bands and played around town....and now im looking to extend my knowledge with different...
Brian
Sat, Dec 31 2005
typewriter technique
3 Responses (last posting: Tue, Jun 20 2006)

I've been playin' bass for over a year now, and i was wondering if anyone could tell me about the typewriter technique, which was invented by John Entwisle, the bassist for the...
manyu
Sat, Dec 31 2005
slapping
No Responses

how does one do slappin plz help...
Phil
Thu, Dec 29 2005
Right hand muting
4 Responses (last posting: Sat, Jun 24 2006)

Merry Christmas all, I got Essential bass technique for christmas..If there's any bass players out there that don't have. it get your self a copy! Its worth it. In the book...
Tristan
Mon, Dec 19 2005
Double slap
1 Response (last posting: Sat, Jan 21 2006)

Ok, Ive been playing bass for a couple of years now, and I picked up a Les Claypool tab book. I read somewhere that for "My Name is Mud" he employs a slapping technique with his...
zorro
Tue, Dec 13 2005
right hand finger technique
1 Response (last posting: Wed, Dec 14 2005)

I have a problem with my sound and I'm wondering if anyone can help me. The problem is that although I get what I think is a good sound on stage, the low end of my sound doesn't...
clinton
Sat, Dec 10 2005
one finger techniqe
4 Responses (last posting: Sun, Mar 26 2006)

Although i have been playing bass for about 4 years, it has not been until just recently that I have been concentrating on my tone. Jaco Pastorius has single handedly opened my...
Dr.Weird
Tue, Dec 6 2005
Techniques on Bass
No Responses

Try www.ultimate-guitar.com they have lessons if you search for them. Very good lessons and site. Dr.Weird of Roadkill...
Ry
Sun, Dec 4 2005
Fretless?
7 Responses (last posting: Tue, Sep 12 2006)

Hey guys I have been playing for about 2 months and ran across this site. I have a ibanez gsr 200. I am looking to buy a better bass and possibly fretless. Is this a smart move?...
fieldog
Thu, Dec 1 2005
slap bass
7 Responses (last posting: Wed, Apr 19 2006)

what is the easiest way to do slap bass
Robin
Thu, Nov 10 2005
Amplifier
2 Responses (last posting: Fri, Nov 11 2005)

I need a cheap, house, practice amp that does not need to be good. Can anyone suggest a good model. Under 100.00$ preferably, but up to 150$is all right
deano
Thu, Nov 10 2005
mudvayne
4 Responses (last posting: Mon, Oct 2 2006)

I think that ryan the bassist for mudvayne has a interesting techniquie does any one know how he does it.
Nicky
Wed, Nov 2 2005
4th finger
8 Responses (last posting: Sun, Dec 25 2005)

Has anybody got any advice on how to strenthen this bloody finger! Serious suggestions!!
Keith
Thu, Oct 13 2005
My bass info page
No Responses

I've put together a page on my personal web site which is packed full of helpful information about bass stuff... it's all information I struggled to find clear answers to as I...
AL7X
Wed, Oct 12 2005
Rookie
5 Responses (last posting: Fri, Nov 4 2005)

I just bought my first bass about a month ago. It's an Ibanez. I was told to stray away from trying to read tabs and to just "jam". What I dont understand is how can I learn to...
RObin
Tue, Oct 11 2005
Pickguard
1 Response (last posting: Wed, Oct 12 2005)

I bought a new fender P bass. There is sort of a thin plastic coating on the pickguard that is pulling up. Should I rip it off or leave it on?
Keith
Tue, Oct 11 2005
Popping and string spacing
7 Responses (last posting: Fri, Feb 24 2006)

I like to play a lot of slap-pop stuff like Primus, etc. Unfortunately I have found that it's almost impossible to pop well on anything other than a 4-string because the spacing...
brian
Sat, Oct 8 2005
bass tuning
1 Response (last posting: Wed, Oct 12 2005)

I just purchased a five string bass. I have been playing regular guitar for a long time and decided to start learning the bass. My bass is a five string lo, and I was wondering...
smitty
Thu, Oct 6 2005
fingering sweet emotion
2 Responses (last posting: Fri, Oct 7 2005)

I'm just learning to play Sweet Emotion. Can someone give me a tip on fingering the intro. I cant seem to play it correctly at the speed of the actual recording without cheating...
jammy j
Wed, Oct 5 2005
strings
1 Response (last posting: Thu, Oct 6 2005)

my E string snapped so i went to buy a knew one, when i attached it all together and stuff it didnt sound the same even though its the exact same type of string. if i keep using...
Jamie
Tue, Sep 27 2005
sssstring names.
No Responses

...
techtart
Mon, Sep 26 2005
Lost in a sea of bass
6 Responses (last posting: Mon, Oct 17 2005)

Howdy all. I recently came into possesion of a brandspankin new spector four string bass. I am about as musical as someone hitting a cat with a mallet. I don't even know what type...
Josh
Mon, Sep 26 2005
fret noise
1 Response (last posting: Wed, Sep 28 2005)

whenever I do a run or a quick hammer on I constantly hear the tap of the string on the fret. I've tried to use a softer touch but whenever I play a run fast I can't keep from...
robin
Fri, Sep 23 2005
strings
1 Response (last posting: Mon, Sep 26 2005)

Ihave a Fendder P-Bass and and looking for a different sound, would smoother strings solve my problems, or is staying with roundound strigs a better idea ...
RJ
Thu, Sep 22 2005
Slapping
16 Responses (last posting: Wed, Dec 21 2005)

Ihave been on bass since february. I have taught myself and do not really understand how to slap. Could someone help and explain how to slap. I can play all right with two fingers,...
Peter Tabakis
Wed, Sep 21 2005
any 3 finger techniques
3 Responses (last posting: Sat, Oct 29 2005)

I've been playing bass for about 2 years and I need help! I want to know some speed techniques and i want to know how some 3 finger techniques
Lawrence
Fri, Sep 16 2005
?
1 Response (last posting: Mon, Sep 26 2005)

I haven't started lessons yet any pointers u could give me about how to play?
Watson dude :)
Thu, Sep 8 2005
Claypools tech...
2 Responses (last posting: Mon, Sep 26 2005)

Can anyone tell what is Les Claypools clawhamer technique and how to do that?? Im really intrested in it but I cant figure it out.... Please help me a lot :DD
Chris
Thu, Sep 8 2005
slap technique on guitar
2 Responses (last posting: Fri, Sep 23 2005)

I'm just getting into bass, but I'm still more of a guitarist. I was looking at my "guitar one" cd rom and there was this guy named, "Raul Midon". He was doing this lesson (with...
curtisg
Tue, Aug 30 2005
Thumb slap attack
2 Responses (last posting: Thu, Sep 8 2005)

I'm new at the slap technique. How come other than the low E string, when I hit an open string with my thumb all I get is harmonics? Is it the angle of attack from my thumb to...
Garrin
Tue, Aug 23 2005
Funk Tone
No Responses

Hey everyone, I've been listening to a lot of funk ately and i'm curious as to how to get the phat low end tone the players like bootsy and the funkier side of flea have....
Anonymous
Mon, Aug 15 2005
Slapping Upright
1 Response (last posting: Fri, Aug 26 2005)

i was wondering if anyone could explain how to slap on the upright because i cant seem to figure it out
wickedstylez
Wed, Aug 10 2005
looking for opinions on 2 basses..
5 Responses (last posting: Fri, Apr 21 2006)

i'm torn between a warwick double buck or a thumb bolt-on. i currently have a defective warwick corvette standard which i'm returning, and i've been offered a small discount on...
KJ
Sat, Jul 30 2005
RH LH coordination
1 Response (last posting: Fri, Oct 21 2005)

Hi, i've been playing bass for a few years but don't seem to be getting any faster. I am self taught because i cant afford a teacher...:P...heheh. Anyway if anyone could share...
david
Tue, Jul 26 2005
upright
2 Responses (last posting: Thu, Oct 6 2005)

anyone have some good right and left hand technique exercises for upright?
random
Mon, Jul 25 2005
slap technique
2 Responses (last posting: Fri, Aug 26 2005)

Hi guys, I have been doing some slap excercises for a while now but am worried about my technique. When you play slap, particularly the faster stuff, should the energy in your...
slickspoon
Wed, Jul 20 2005
learng funk bass
5 Responses (last posting: Thu, Oct 6 2005)

DRY
Sun, Jul 17 2005
EQ's
4 Responses (last posting: Thu, Jan 5 2006)

Hi there ive got my self a laney hard core bass amp but im having real trouble setting up my EQ to get a chunky low end sound... its driving me nutts and ive been trying for ages,...
Steve
Fri, Jul 15 2005
one more..
4 Responses (last posting: Thu, Sep 15 2005)

Another thing thats not really covered in the book that I'm wondering about is how to control the articulation of the notes with regards to note duration? I understand the muting...
Steve
Wed, Jul 13 2005
a couple beginner questions
1 Response (last posting: Fri, Jul 15 2005)

Hi, I'm almost a complete beginner to stringed instruments and bass but not to music (played keyboards for a few years). I just got the book in the mail. This sounds completely...
Garrin
Wed, Jul 6 2005
RH fingering speed
1 Response (last posting: Thu, Jul 7 2005)

Hey everyone, I've been playing bass for about 4 months and am getting into the Fusion/Jazz side of bass playing, and i am curious as to how to build up the RH fingering speed....
javajeff
Mon, Jun 13 2005
noise
4 Responses (last posting: Sat, Jun 25 2005)

I have been playing bass live for 10 years, but just started recording. I noticed I make alot of noise. Pops, clicks, and such. Is this from playing too hard? I play a fretless...
Garrin
Tue, Jun 7 2005
Flat or Round?
6 Responses (last posting: Mon, Feb 6 2006)

I've been playing bass for about a month now and i need a new set of strings for my "starter" bass, which is a Johnson Jazz Bass. I am curious about the differences in tone color...
Chad
Fri, May 27 2005
Looking for Smooth Slap Tone
2 Responses (last posting: Sun, May 29 2005)

I've been playing for several years, but only recently decided to try to add slap technique to my toolkit. I've grabbed a few books, seen a few videos, but still can't seem to...
El
Fri, May 27 2005
Jon Evans
2 Responses (last posting: Fri, Jan 27 2006)

Greetings All, Looking for any info about Jon Evans, most notably the bassist for Tori Amos. Really love his sound,,respectable groove and chops. Curious if anyone knows what...
Bass Bastard
Thu, May 26 2005
Shoulder Pain
3 Responses (last posting: Mon, Jun 13 2005)

I am an aggressive thumb slapper. To give you an idea, I can play songs like Coybows from Hell by Pantera, Agressive Perfector by Slayer and such using my thumb only. I am very...
anthony
Mon, May 16 2005
Slapping
2 Responses (last posting: Mon, Jun 6 2005)

Do you find it easy to slap the open-A string without knocking the D or E, or should I mute the other strings with my left hand to stop them resonating? Also, do you use a direct...
anthony
Mon, May 16 2005
slap bass w/ tapping
3 Responses (last posting: Mon, Jun 6 2005)

h!,im using IBANEZ GSR200 bass guitar..if u are a bassist expected that u know scales,first u exercise ur hand stretching properly so that u not tired easily!!f u already finish...
donald
Sat, May 14 2005
thumb rests?
2 Responses (last posting: Mon, Sep 18 2006)

I own a martin accoustic bass and am looking to install a thumb rest. Im used to my electric and am not sure what will be the ideal shape and size for the thumb rest? If anyone...
Jim
Mon, May 9 2005
Strategies for working up difficult material.
2 Responses (last posting: Thu, May 12 2005)

I've been working on an old Yellow Jackets song called Sylvania from the Samurai Samba CD. If you haven't heard it, it's basically thumping 16th notes using just your thumb at...
Daniel
Sun, May 1 2005
beginner/tone problems
1 Response (last posting: Wed, May 4 2005)

I'm definitely a beginner at this in the sense I've had no training and no real guidance witht the bass and amps and technique. I own a rick. 4003, and iplay through a classic...
tom.k
Mon, Apr 11 2005
right hand technique
1 Response (last posting: Mon, Apr 11 2005)

hi there.... love this site...much of good info!! i m ordering your book soon meanwhile i struggeling with the following :pain in my right wrist i think first of all because...
Luke
Fri, Apr 8 2005
Plectrum
No Responses

hi i have been playing bass for over a year and i have started to do some plectrum work. initally i only did fingers, are there any tips and tutorials that could help somewhere?...
bujor
Sun, Apr 3 2005
BASS Combo ?
2 Responses (last posting: Fri, Jun 3 2005)

hi guys, I want a new bass combo. Till now I had a Trace Elliott, but it didn't like me so much. I have to choose from Ampeg B115, Laney R5, SWR LA15, Huges & Kettner BassForce...
Les Claypool
Tue, Mar 15 2005
God of slap?
6 Responses (last posting: Wed, May 11 2005)

God of slap huh??? hmmmm.....thanks Les
David
Tue, Mar 8 2005
Left hand technique
3 Responses (last posting: Mon, Sep 25 2006)

Petter, In your book you teach the "one finger per fret" method for the fretting hand but I have noticed that many bass players use the 3rd and 4th fingers together as though...
Steve
Tue, Mar 8 2005
No subject
7 Responses (last posting: Tue, Jul 18 2006)

Hi guys. Ive been a bass player for about 5 years. Im self taught and dont know any scales or how to read or write music or anything like that, i simply play by ear, but ive found...
Hoppus445
Wed, Mar 2 2005
bass termonology
3 Responses (last posting: Thu, Sep 15 2005)

im new at this. What's a hammer on, or a pull off, or a pop and slap? thanks.
ta
Tue, Mar 1 2005
Disco/Garage type Bass Sound
3 Responses (last posting: Mon, Sep 11 2006)

I want to know how to make my bass sound FAT like 70' disco sound. what kind of prossesor or effector do i need?
Mike
Tue, Feb 15 2005
what new strings to get
2 Responses (last posting: Fri, Apr 21 2006)

hi all im looking to get new strings for my bass, wondering what strings/thickness u all recommend for a good slapping sound as well as normal fingerpicking style thanks...
jose'
Sat, Feb 12 2005
john paul jones sound
4 Responses (last posting: Fri, Jul 15 2005)

hi ive been playing bass for around 2 yrs now and recently ive really got in to led zeppelin, but wen i try make up any riffs like john paul its sounds crap and i cant seem to...
Bob - One Day Less
Fri, Feb 11 2005
What's Everyone Thumpin On?
11 Responses (last posting: Sat, Dec 2 2006)

i myself play an Ibanez EDA900 as my workhorse. This has got to be the most versital instrument for the money. The Fishman Piezo bridge and the fine tuning pots on the back of...
S.J.S
Mon, Feb 7 2005
Theory
16 Responses (last posting: Sat, Aug 6 2005)

There are far too many people these days that think that knowing about theory makes you less of a musician or that it makes you some kind of egghead that doesn't know how to play....
Gabe
Wed, Feb 2 2005
Non octave slap bass
3 Responses (last posting: Tue, Feb 8 2005)

When you hear slap bass, you always hear the same boring octave slap. I was wondering how I can create interesting slap lines without using octaves. Thanks for any help!
michelle
Wed, Feb 2 2005
Scales
4 Responses (last posting: Fri, Apr 21 2006)

Does anyone know of a good book or website that has info on scales for 6 string basses?
michelle
Wed, Feb 2 2005
Slapping
5 Responses (last posting: Thu, Sep 8 2005)

I can't seem to stop the metal to metal sound of my strings hitting the frets when I slap. Is this "twang" normal or am I just slapping wrong or in the wrong place. Help!
peter
Fri, Jan 28 2005
startin out
7 Responses (last posting: Fri, Apr 21 2006)

just started out on bass. what are some good practice techniques i should do??? (ie. drills, exercises,etc.)
brandt
Fri, Jan 28 2005
spector basses
2 Responses (last posting: Tue, Feb 1 2005)

Hey, I was just curious as to the general tone of a spector bass. I have heard many different things about them, and am considering getting one. If any of you own one or have played...
Benjamin
Thu, Jan 27 2005
Melody
3 Responses (last posting: Fri, Apr 1 2005)

hey i'm not really good at coming up with melodies and rythem.. anyone can like help me out here... thankx
Boomshakalaka
Thu, Jan 27 2005
Fretless Slap
8 Responses (last posting: Tue, Jul 19 2005)

What is the best setup, equipment-wise, for playing slap on a fretless? IS there any changes in technique i should know? Is this generally even a good idea?
Nick DeLonge
Wed, Jan 26 2005
cramped, tired hands
3 Responses (last posting: Fri, Apr 21 2006)

I just recently found an interest in playing with my neighbors electric bass, i don't play often and I don't really know what the hell I'm doing, but it would be nice to know how...
andy
Thu, Jan 20 2005
strings
3 Responses (last posting: Fri, Feb 11 2005)

the best strings 4 bass are peavy they give it a big improvement it sounds like there alive!!!
wannabe_a_bassist
Sun, Jan 16 2005
Pop and slap
5 Responses (last posting: Mon, Jan 24 2005)

Hey Yo! Im just starting out on playing. What is the correct way to pop and slap the bass if there is one? And what other tecs. can anyone tell be about?????
Brad T
Wed, Jan 12 2005
Etudes
5 Responses (last posting: Mon, Jun 6 2005)

Hi, I've read on these boards that a good way to develop speed is to practice (along with lots of scales) etudes to a metronome. I was wondering if anyone knew of any good etudes...
Brad T
Tue, Jan 4 2005
Muting
3 Responses (last posting: Thu, Jan 6 2005)

I am a born again bassist (so to say). I've been playing for about 4 or 5 years but treating the bass as toy, I never really learned scales, arpeggios, or even the notes of the...
William
Thu, Dec 9 2004
Techniques
3 Responses (last posting: Wed, Feb 16 2005)

Hey there, I've been messing around with this bass alot, don't have a teacher; Thus, I'm relying heavily on tabs. Its pretty difficult for me to make the connections in finding...
S.J.S
Wed, Dec 8 2004
Melody and Harmony
7 Responses (last posting: Thu, Dec 9 2004)

Ok, I reaise that this goes a little beyond the bounds of thechnique and tone discussion, though in a way these concepts inevitably maifest in technichal applications, but there...
tom
Tue, Dec 7 2004
another few questions
3 Responses (last posting: Thu, Dec 9 2004)

i was looking at victor wootens tab for "me and my bass" and i was wondering what technique you use to slap all the strings togeather and are a light gauge of string better for...
tom
Sat, Dec 4 2004
few short questions
2 Responses (last posting: Mon, Dec 6 2004)

Is it possible to play a hamonic on an open string,if so how? how can i get my bass to sound like duff makagens bass guns n' roses? when slapping do you mute the strings...
bren
Sat, Dec 4 2004
amp/bass settings
3 Responses (last posting: Sun, Dec 12 2004)

I usually set amp settings flat. Id like to know what kind of settings would be best for certain styles if you do the adjustments on an active bass. I know that slappping would...
bren
Sat, Dec 4 2004
active pickups???
4 Responses (last posting: Sun, Jun 11 2006)

Im confused. Does a bass with active pu's like EMGs make the bass an active instrument? If not, what do these pu's have that differ from passive pu's?
engorger
Wed, Dec 1 2004
speed
26 Responses (last posting: Wed, Nov 9 2005)

I have been playing bass for about 2 years seriously. My goal is to be in a death metal type band in the vain of deicide, suffocation, vile, etc. I use a pick and am having trouble...
Mario
Mon, Nov 29 2004
Black Metal Tone?
16 Responses (last posting: Mon, Dec 20 2004)

Hey, I am playing a Platinum B.C. Rich Mockingbird bass with D.R. Fat Beams, and I am looking for a better tone for black metal. I seem to not mesh with this setup, either I...
stoned
Wed, Nov 24 2004
to rake or not to rake???
3 Responses (last posting: Sun, Nov 28 2004)

I've read in other bass methods that "raking" when decending strings leads to sloppy technique.However, in Pete's book he stresses that its better and economical to rake when decending.Anyone...
Pat Duffield
Mon, Nov 8 2004
strings!!!
2 Responses (last posting: Tue, Nov 9 2004)

Ive just started the bass and the guitar im playing currently has strings that seem to be very high off the fret board. Previous to the bass I played the guitar for 2 years so...
fb
Sat, Nov 6 2004
chromatics?
6 Responses (last posting: Sun, Dec 19 2004)

Hi, i've noticed that sometimes a bassist will play other notes, besides the standard 8 notes in a scale(esp. in funk music), i think that they're called chromatics. My question...
Kevin
Mon, Oct 25 2004
Tone
1 Response (last posting: Tue, Oct 26 2004)

Hi! I am relatively new to the bass (have been 'playing' for a few years, but not seriously) and I am really trying to concentrate on my technique these days - getting back to...
Alan
Fri, Oct 8 2004
Slap wrist
13 Responses (last posting: Mon, Mar 21 2005)

Hi everone, I was just woundering about slaping ard poping. When useing this technique, should your arm float, or should your wrist be resting above your pickups? Any info would...
Rowd
Wed, Oct 6 2004
Right arm positioning
1 Response (last posting: Mon, Oct 11 2004)

Hey all, firstly congrats on this site, it has some really good tips on it. I was wondering if it is better to rest the lower part of your fingering arm on the top of the bass,...
Noah Harvey
Tue, Oct 5 2004
Wrist care
1 Response (last posting: Mon, Oct 11 2004)

My right wrist has been getting unusually sore lately. I have come to the conclusion that I am not holding my right arm properly when I play. Any suggestions?
Jon
Sun, Oct 3 2004
thumping
2 Responses (last posting: Tue, Oct 5 2004)

Hi does anyone know how to thump? noone so far has been able to tell me but ive heard flea does it. cheers jon
Ben
Thu, Sep 30 2004
RH Technique *again*
1 Response (last posting: Tue, Oct 5 2004)

Hi Peter, Got the book in the post a little while ago, and it is proving very useful! A question about right-hand technique... I have been trying to attack the string in a motion...
Lucy
Thu, Sep 23 2004
Muting
9 Responses (last posting: Wed, May 10 2006)

Hi, I've only been "playing" Bass for 2 months and am having real probs with LH muting. My left hand seems to think its only job is to fret the notes!!! My poor ole right hand...
Stumpy
Tue, Sep 21 2004
WD-40!!!
2 Responses (last posting: Thu, Sep 23 2004)

Hey folks! Erm, I'm not entirelly sure if this is relevant to post here or not, but I think I just discovered something remarkable. This evening I had been doing some routine...
G
Sun, Sep 19 2004
Better bass / slap sound
4 Responses (last posting: Sun, Sep 26 2004)

Hey all. Thanks for the help on the previous post, but it's got me thinking (bad move, guys haha). I was just thinking of ways to improve that slap sound on my bass. Mine never...
Aaron Carver
Mon, Sep 13 2004
right hand stuff
2 Responses (last posting: Sun, Sep 19 2004)

Hi all: I've read a bit on the forum. I'm a guitar player of 12 years who's dabbled in Bass. I've played in several bands, always going back to guitar. I've decided to bite...
G
Mon, Sep 13 2004
Slap sound.
7 Responses (last posting: Thu, Sep 16 2004)

Hey all. I been looking over the forum and all the topics, and it's really been an eye-opener and all! Lots of good help, so thanks to all for their advice and such. Now, my...
drew
Fri, Sep 10 2004
Slappers
No Responses

I am 17 years old and have played for 8 years. i play upright bass most of the time, but i am in a nirvana cover band, for the upright the slap is used more for bluegrass jazz...
Mike
Thu, Aug 26 2004
Speed/3 finger playing
2 Responses (last posting: Wed, Sep 29 2004)

hi, this forum rocks, anyway i've been playing bass for several years and i was wondering how to develope the speed that you see from players such as billy sheehan or john myung....
hansori
Fri, Aug 20 2004
many thanks
1 Response (last posting: Sat, Aug 21 2004)

hello again it was the first time i ever posted anything last time i posted the slap bass message on the board but i thank you for giving me such good feedback. thanks Dave for...
hansori
Wed, Aug 4 2004
slap bass
5 Responses (last posting: Wed, Dec 21 2005)

ive been teaching myself to play bass for the past 4 or so years and have been into mostly rock songs but what i really want to know is how to play funk and slap bass. i want to...
Boyle
Tue, Jul 20 2004
keepin' everybody happy
2 Responses (last posting: Thu, Jul 22 2004)

I've been playing bass on and off for the past ten years or so and have always gotten compliments on my technique and sound. Of course, maintaining a healthy level of self-criticism...
Jim
Sat, Jul 10 2004
Comments on EBT Techniques and Rickenbacker 4003
No Responses

Just got my brand new Rick in the other day. It's not that I felt I really needed one, it was just an object of desire at a recent guitar show here in the DFW area. In the words...
boodledude
Fri, Jul 9 2004
fretting technique
1 Response (last posting: Mon, Jul 12 2004)

I am teaching myself to play the bass (reformed drummer)and have found your book to be a valuable resource.My question is about fretting up and down on one string:If I am playing...
Heather
Thu, Jul 8 2004
Strings n things
5 Responses (last posting: Tue, Jul 13 2004)

Hi, I've not been playing bass very long, I converted from guitar a few months ago & Im waiting for my copy of the book in the post :).. I was just shopping for strings when...
Alan
Sun, Jun 20 2004
using 3 fingers
8 Responses (last posting: Thu, Nov 25 2004)

hey, i came across a les claypool bass line where he uses 3 fingers on his right hand. Theres a lot of realy fast triplets and its quite difficult to do only using my two. Im pretty...
Paul Chadwick
Thu, Jun 10 2004
PAIN!
7 Responses (last posting: Fri, Jun 18 2004)

Hello, This site is great & I just ordered the book. I am the imbodiment of what Mr. Murray refers to as the effects of time. I've been playing professionally for over thirty...
Kevin
Tue, Jun 8 2004
String Skiping w/blues box forms
2 Responses (last posting: Wed, Jun 9 2004)

I am having a problem with the string skip when playing an 8th note shuffle using the "box" form oftem used in blues. As stated in the book, which I love btw, it is best to...
Jim
Sun, May 30 2004
Left Hand Technique
3 Responses (last posting: Tue, Jun 1 2004)

Started working on my left hand technique today. Depending upon what I'm playing, my ring and pinky can go an inch or more above the fingerboard. Are there any exercises to correct...
brandt
Tue, May 18 2004
help with right hand technique
3 Responses (last posting: Thu, Oct 7 2004)

Hey this is my first time to the site. It came up on my search for some lessons/info on a good right hand technique. I have been playing bass for about four months, and throughout...
Brett
Thu, Apr 29 2004
good bass tone
5 Responses (last posting: Fri, Apr 30 2004)

Hey I play an Ibanez SG 5-string, and I've still not been able to manipulate the tonal controls for in the right combination to deliver the sound that I'm looking for. I need...
bluejon
Tue, Apr 27 2004
crooked pinkie
2 Responses (last posting: Wed, Apr 28 2004)

Okay, I have a problem with my pinkie finger where the tip points drastically in towards my ring finger. Basically, when my hand is in its un-stretched position on the fretboard,...
gm_bayzid
Fri, Apr 23 2004
Need Bass Review
1 Response (last posting: Wed, Apr 28 2004)

Hi anyone of you guys have played Ibanez BTB406QM... Pls give your review.. I want to buy the bass but need your view abt the bass
Jim
Sat, Apr 3 2004
Mark King
3 Responses (last posting: Sun, Jun 13 2004)

Just got a double CD set of Level 42 and The Early Tapes from Amazon.com. Along with the studio version, the Early Tapes CD also has a live bonus track of Mr. Pink on it. You're...
Jim
Sat, Mar 27 2004
Interesting Article about Practicing
2 Responses (last posting: Mon, Mar 29 2004)

I read this article on TalkBass.com by a guy named Joe Solomon. I thought it was a good article that seemed to make a lot of sense so, I figured I'd post it up here if anyone...
Jim
Thu, Mar 18 2004
Where to wear the bass...
4 Responses (last posting: Sat, Mar 20 2004)

I got my autographed copy of your book a week or two ago and have been working through the right hand technique section. What a difference! The benefits were obvious the first...
Carolyn Alves
Fri, Mar 12 2004
Hammer-On's & Muting Technique
9 Responses (last posting: Fri, Mar 19 2004)

Hi! Regarding basic funk technique, my instructor has given me what appears to be a simple exercise but I am finding it very difficult and I just wanted to get your take on it....
Marco Castelli
Wed, Mar 10 2004
BASS PLAYER FROM ITALY!!!
No Responses

HY !!!THIS SITE...VERY GOOD!!! my name is Marco Castelli i'm an italian bass player if you are interested to get contact with me PLS come and visit my site www.marcocastelli.com...
Rich
Thu, Mar 4 2004
Right hand clicking
1 Response (last posting: Thu, Mar 4 2004)

Hi, I am having some troubles with my right hand technique. At least I think it's my technique. The problem is that when I play a note on my E string (let's say open E for...
Lora
Thu, Mar 4 2004
Boogie-Oogie-Oogie
No Responses

I love playing disco tunes, the bass is always upfront. 1 particular song I really like is Boogie-oogie-oogie from a Taste of Honey. Does anyone know how to play the last little...
snow
Mon, Mar 1 2004
one-finger-per-fret=injury???
6 Responses (last posting: Tue, May 11 2004)

Hi! I've been practising some of the stuff in Peter's excellent book, however, the 1-finger-per-fret "rule" has kinda gotten me stumped. As we are not all blessed with big,strong...
Jim
Sat, Feb 21 2004
Smooth Legato Playing
2 Responses (last posting: Mon, Feb 23 2004)

I've been out of playing for a few years and I'm just now getting back into it. Right now I'm just woodshedding with songs I'm working on from various CDs. Some are new and some...
Alan
Sat, Feb 7 2004
Improvisation
3 Responses (last posting: Sun, Jun 6 2004)

Hi, ive been playing for about 3 years now and im fairly happy with my playing, im in a band and im able to play any covers we do without much bother. What is a problem for me...
lora
Wed, Jan 14 2004
disco octave pattern
4 Responses (last posting: Sun, Jan 18 2004)

Hi! Any advice for playing disco octave patterns?For example, when playing a low G and then 2 high G's (octave) as 16ths? (one-e-and-a) rest on the "e" 16th. What right hand plucking...
Xavier Padilla
Mon, Jan 12 2004
Wrist injuries
1 Response (last posting: Fri, Jan 16 2004)

The following post was first posted at The Bottom Line forum. Mr Murray sugested to post it in this forum for discussion. I hope it helps promoting views beyond the current general...
Eric
Thu, Jan 8 2004
String skipping
3 Responses (last posting: Fri, Jan 16 2004)

Hi, I've played bass for about 10 years, and over the last 5-6 years I've developed a strong 3-finger alternating right hand technique (I couldn't easily go back to 2-finger if...
Nick
Fri, Dec 26 2003
Love Games Lick
No Responses

Does anyone know any good lick for Level 42 love games lick, cant get that tune right....please mail at nakrap@globalnet.hr...
Carolyn
Mon, Dec 1 2003
String Gauge vs. Action
6 Responses (last posting: Fri, Mar 12 2004)

I am a first year bass student trying to find her groove but I am confused by the string gauge vs. action thing. I started on a bass with heavy gauge strings and found that I couldn't...
Ken Meens
Wed, Nov 19 2003
Right hand technique on the upright
2 Responses (last posting: Mon, Feb 23 2004)

HI! I was wondering if any players were willing to discuss right hand technique on upright bass. My first instrument has always been electric but i've been 'doubling on double'...
pupz
Mon, Nov 17 2003
right hand speed, left hand pinky
1 Response (last posting: Wed, Nov 19 2003)

I have trouble barring with my left hand pinkie specially on the A and D strings and the E and A strings. Any suggestions?Also I'm having trouble playing consistent 16th notes...
chelsea
Sat, Nov 1 2003
boiling strings
1 Response (last posting: Tue, Nov 4 2003)

I've heard that boiling strings brings them back to life. Is this true and if so, how long should I boil them? Up to how many times can this be done before changing a set? Thanks! ...
Daz
Mon, Oct 27 2003
Got Slappin Down?
2 Responses (last posting: Sat, Jan 8 2005)

I learnt the slapping and popping techinique bout 4 months ago, and i can play quite gud, but after playing early chili peppers and one rage against the machine song, ive found...
iceman
Sat, Oct 25 2003
slap bass volume
2 Responses (last posting: Tue, May 11 2004)

Hi!I'm using a Carvin LB70-P. and its great sounding bass. I have one question, though. How can I get a consistent volume when changing from fingerstyle to slapping? I notice that...
Traffic
Wed, Oct 8 2003
Anchoring technique on a Jazz bass
1 Response (last posting: Wed, Oct 15 2003)

Hi! I tried re-learning hand positions, especially the right hand anchoring technique you discussed in your book. The thumb rests on the pickup during play on the E-string and...
Werner
Mon, Oct 6 2003
Thumb Rest and Pinky Damping
2 Responses (last posting: Wed, Dec 28 2005)

Hi! I recently bought the book and I really like the suggestions. Now I'm trying to (re)learn the right hand technique (my left hand is quite okay), and I was wondering about...
CALVAUGHN
Tue, Sep 23 2003
NO FINGER TONE
1 Response (last posting: Wed, Sep 24 2003)

HOW DO REGGAE BASS PLAYERS GET THAT LOW NO FINGER BASS TONE
Iceman
Thu, Sep 18 2003
Octave fingerings
1 Response (last posting: Tue, Sep 23 2003)

Hi, Peter!Just purchased your book. Regarding your concept of the left hand fingers being assigned to corresponding frets, do you mean that the l.h. ring finger should be used...
samsaratripper
Sun, Jul 6 2003
more details
5 Responses (last posting: Wed, Jul 30 2003)

details i have an ibanez gsr 200 beginner im thinking the gauge of strings is pretty fat the action is not to high but its not low like those nice basses where action is low...
samsaratripper
Tue, Jul 1 2003
no response yet?
1 Response (last posting: Thu, Jul 3 2003)

yea, im just chillin from playin i play guitar too, and picked it up probably about 3 years ago, never had any kind of problem with my hands or wrist i pick up the bass, no...
samsaratripper
Thu, Jun 26 2003
HI
1 Response (last posting: Thu, Jul 3 2003)

hey wusup i got your technique book and ever since i got it my hands and wrist hurt and my fingers get weak at times is this cause im changing the way i play with your technique? i...
Sam
Tue, Jun 3 2003
Left Pinky
7 Responses (last posting: Wed, Feb 8 2006)

Hi Does anyone have any specific exercises to stop the left hand pinky pulling down when not in use (see p37 of EBT for piccy)? Mine has a mind of its own. Cheers. Sam
Caro B.!
Tue, Apr 1 2003
Hey!
No Responses

Hey babe! You told me to write you a lil message so i am!! I hope you don't mind,i have no questions to ask really...cuz i am amazing...duh! anyways,talk to you soon! love ya! CAro...
Joe
Sat, Mar 22 2003
unanchored thumb techniques
10 Responses (last posting: Sat, Jun 7 2003)

I've been searching on google and bass forums for about three months now (in the very short intervals of time for which I have an internet connection) for some information supporting...
David
Wed, Feb 12 2003
Finger numbness
5 Responses (last posting: Thu, Jul 8 2004)

Hi Peter, I just finished your book and I found it very informative. I used to play bass as a teen about 20 years ago and recently started playing again with a christian rock...
Bob F.
Thu, Jan 30 2003
Fingers or Pick
33 Responses (last posting: Fri, Jun 9 2006)

I am moving from guitar to bass. I am better with a pick but like the feeling of using my fingers, plus I don't want to be unable to play certain techniques because I use a pick....
Ryan T.
Wed, Jan 15 2003
Muting the A String...again.
1 Response (last posting: Wed, Jan 29 2003)

Hey Peter, I took a lesson with you and for the past year, I've been using my pinky to mute the A string. I do understand that you feel this increases economy of motion by...
Joel K.
Tue, Jan 14 2003
Tone
2 Responses (last posting: Wed, Jan 29 2003)

I have a real problem with the tone from my amp, and I think it's a function of the amp/cab combination. Right now I am running a peavey (I know, not the best bass head) to a...
Jonseff
Wed, Jan 8 2003
Advent
1 Response (last posting: Thu, Jan 9 2003)

This song is one of the best songs I've ever heard(Bass wise). It's by Opeth. It took me about a week to learn! It's on the album Morningrise. The whole album has pretty great...
bgee
Tue, Dec 24 2002
how to line up your fingers
2 Responses (last posting: Thu, Dec 26 2002)

hi...im a new comer to playing bass and i really dont know how to line up my fingers on the frets properly. i have a four string and i actually sound pretty good but my fingers...
david
Sat, Dec 21 2002
4th finger
2 Responses (last posting: Thu, Dec 26 2002)

I have been practicing keeping my left -hand fingers closer to the strings while playing. However, my pinky always has a tendancy to raise much farther away from the string. This...
Byron Santo
Fri, Dec 20 2002
Happy Holidays
3 Responses (last posting: Sat, Mar 15 2003)

Hey Peter Have a Happy and Safe Holidays. Byron Santo
david
Wed, Dec 18 2002
pull-offs
1 Response (last posting: Thu, Dec 19 2002)

I am somewhat confused about the motion involved with pull-offs. It seems as though you are suppose to move your finger down and away from the string. Is that correct? Any exercises...
Andrew
Sat, Dec 7 2002
Barring
2 Responses (last posting: Wed, Dec 11 2002)

Peter, in your book, you describe the correct technique for playing successive notes on the same fret on adjacent strings, which I won't go into detail on, as we all have Pete's...
Logan
Sun, Nov 17 2002
Stu Hamm " linus and lucy " theme
1 Response (last posting: Tue, Nov 19 2002)

I cant quite figure out the technique that Stu Hamm uses while playing this song. If anyone can explain to me how to play this song I would be very grateful. Ive tried most of...
Byron Santolucito
Thu, Nov 7 2002
Right Wrist, Forearm and Shoulder Positions
3 Responses (last posting: Tue, Nov 12 2002)

This is part of the email discussion that Peter and I have been having on resting the right forearm on the bass, etc. Peter suggested to move our conversation to the forum for...
Stephen Gulliford
Thu, Oct 10 2002
Double Stop
3 Responses (last posting: Fri, Oct 25 2002)

What is a double stop? I've been playing bass for 2 years and i'm trying to figure out what a double stop is and how i can practice it.
John E.
Sat, Oct 5 2002
Lefthanded Accoustic Bassguitar
3 Responses (last posting: Mon, Nov 21 2005)

Hello People! I am planning to buy me an accoustic bassguitar, the problem is that i'm lefthanded. I've searched the internet and I went to some local music stores but I've had...
david
Tue, Oct 1 2002
coordination
3 Responses (last posting: Mon, Jan 6 2003)

I've been learning to play the bass for about a 1 year. I've noticed that my left and right hands aren't always playing together, especially when trying to play fast. Do you know...
Winston
Wed, Sep 25 2002
32 Notes
2 Responses (last posting: Tue, Oct 15 2002)

Hi all! Wondering if anyone could give me a tip or two on playing 32notess. I am trying to do the intro of "The Test That Stumped Them all" by Dream Theater and the 32 notes are...
Vikrant
Sun, Sep 22 2002
left hand technique
3 Responses (last posting: Thu, Nov 14 2002)

Most people do like to learn playing the bass and its important to learn picking and stuff, but the harder part is using your left hand on the frets and stuff - not so hard, but...
Byron Santo
Fri, Sep 13 2002
Right Hand Four Finger Technique Question
2 Responses (last posting: Mon, Sep 16 2002)

I just found this forum. It's killer! Just what I've been looking for. I have question regarding right hand technique. For 17 years I've played with two fingers. One year ago I...
tom becker
Mon, Sep 9 2002
need a new nut
1 Response (last posting: Wed, Sep 11 2002)

the nut on my bass has eroded around the e string so that it now rests on the first fret, giving my bass the tuning g-d-a-f. i've been using a capo on the headstock to hold the...
Ray
Thu, Aug 29 2002
Lefthanded Bassist
1 Response (last posting: Tue, Sep 10 2002)

any lefties here? I'm a lefthanded player, but I don't play a lefty Bass. I have my first Bass Guitar right now (I took it from my brother, he never played it) and its right handed..I...
Bassbabe
Thu, Aug 1 2002
Bass resource - Basslinks.nl
1 Response (last posting: Mon, Aug 12 2002)

Hi fellow bassplayers, Be sure to check http://www.basslinks.nl also, their forums are just great to learn/improve bass techniques, tips and tricks by (famous) pro's :) No...
Magoo
Tue, Jul 2 2002
The bass keeps on making that noise again!!!
4 Responses (last posting: Fri, Oct 25 2002)

When i move up or down fret my left hand fingers scratch the strings and screw up a song if im recording, so how do i get the scratchy noise to stop!
d_ax_loe
Sun, Jun 23 2002
slap techniques
3 Responses (last posting: Mon, Jan 6 2003)

Hello everybody. I've been playing the bass for almost three years now, but I know nothing about slapping. That bothers me quite a lot, so I was wondering if anybody could tell...
Dan J
Sun, May 5 2002
Shoulder/Thumb pain
4 Responses (last posting: Wed, Jul 10 2002)

Ever since i've started to play bass i've experienced pain.-I think i'm more prone to these pains than others, I just can't seem to get my technique right to prevent it. Its always...
dave
Thu, May 2 2002
bass collection
2 Responses (last posting: Tue, May 20 2003)

I've been playing bass and guitar for many years. I've recently made real progress on bass techniques, so to reward oneself, I purchased lots of new toys. My question is when...
Andrew
Tue, Apr 16 2002
Right-Arm position / bass height
2 Responses (last posting: Thu, Apr 18 2002)

My question has to do with the amount of 'bend or angle' in your plucking wrist. You have to try to picture this a bit, but the higher one wears his bass, the sharper the angle...
Ryan
Tue, Mar 12 2002
picking
No Responses

I would also suggest choking up on the pick, so only 1/4"-1/8" of the pick is actually used, and just practice with it a ton....
Greg
Sun, Mar 10 2002
technique adjustment
1 Response (last posting: Tue, Mar 12 2002)

I've been playing bass for a few years, fretless for almost a year. I've alway been pretty good about playing with proper technique but not perfect. I take jazz lessons from...
Mark Grausam
Wed, Feb 13 2002
French B.T. Website
No Responses

Hi Peter! Just wanted to know if you've ever heard of this website http://zzz.ch ? It's an English/French website with lots of bass techniques. What I did is use "Google" as...
g connolly
Wed, Jan 2 2002
using a plectrum
4 Responses (last posting: Thu, Nov 14 2002)

I use a Fender jazz bass, but when using a plectrum fastly the strings constantly hit off the other frets causing a twang, have you any suggestions on technique or string set-up? thanx...
Wes
Wed, Dec 19 2001
Moving to 5 String?
7 Responses (last posting: Tue, Mar 18 2003)

I am considering making the move to a five string bass. In testing some 5 stringer's I am finding it a little difficult to play the "G" string with my thumb anchored on the "B" string....
jaro
Wed, Dec 19 2001
Me'shel & Warwick
1 Response (last posting: Sat, Dec 22 2001)

I saw picture Me'shel Ndegeocello played on Warwick bass (corvette std).I knew Me'shel as a Modulus player ,can you tell Me something about it.
Peter Murray
Wed, Dec 12 2001
let the buying begin!
No Responses

At long last, you can now order Essential Bass Technique (2nd edition). Please go to the Order info page to find out how. It makes a great Christmas gift! ;)...
Peter Murray
Wed, Nov 21 2001
EBT 2nd edition out NOW
2 Responses (last posting: Fri, Nov 30 2001)

In case anyone's listening in here (where is everybody?), the 2nd Edition of Essential Bass Technique has been released and should be in stores very soon (if not already). It will...
Stephen Bozeman
Fri, Sep 7 2001
two-hand tapping
1 Response (last posting: Thu, Nov 14 2002)

I need help with the whole two handed tapping thing. I know nothing about it. I been making it up as I go along, also so with double,triple, and quadruple slapping techniques....
Peter Murray
Tue, Jul 31 2001
stolen bass
1 Response (last posting: Wed, Aug 1 2001)

Hey folks-- I know this is off topic, but... it's my forum, and, well, I'll cry if I want to. My bass was stolen two weeks ago and I'm doing everything I can to spread the word. Check...
Ben
Tue, Jul 31 2001
Two-Hand Tapping
2 Responses (last posting: Mon, May 26 2003)

I'm 17 years old been playing bass for about 4 years now. I recently came across a player named Stu Hamm when i saw him with Joe Satriani. I've been trying to learn some of his parts...
Upula C.
Tue, Jul 10 2001
Bill Gates and Factor Bass
No Responses

For some time, I was thinking Vail Johnson (Kenny G's bassist) usually tunes low E string to D when playing solos. Vail uses Phil Kubicki's Factor Ex bass. Sometimes I did this...
Mark Grausam
Sun, Jun 17 2001
Worthwhile Books and Videos?
4 Responses (last posting: Wed, May 1 2002)

Hey everyone! Has anyone noticed that there seems to be so few quality books and videos out of the huge selection currently available? I was wondering what other books and videos...
Pete S.
Tue, Jun 5 2001
Bass and Backing Vocals
2 Responses (last posting: Thu, Feb 7 2002)

Hi Peter. My question might be a bit off topic, but I found that it's pretty quiet at your site, so I might dare asking it. Since you perform backing vocals while playing the bass,...
Upula C.
Mon, Jun 4 2001
Thumb as a Pick.
3 Responses (last posting: Wed, Jun 20 2001)

I've been checking this forum for sometime and noticed that everybody is quite silent. May be that everybody is more engulfed in playing than writing. I've been doing the same. I've...
John E.
Sat, May 5 2001
Rules
3 Responses (last posting: Mon, May 14 2001)

For the people who didn't allready knew... ------This site Rules!------ Enjoy playing :-)
Birey
Thu, Mar 29 2001
EBT book release
10 Responses (last posting: Thu, Nov 14 2002)

Hi Peter When do you plan to re-release the book?
Minstrel
Mon, Mar 19 2001
Thank you Peter
1 Response (last posting: Thu, Mar 22 2001)

Jecka
Mon, Mar 19 2001
Metal Again
5 Responses (last posting: Sun, Dec 11 2005)

Hey Peter and other good people, i need an advice how to play with a pick i have some problems with speed...:)
John E.
Thu, Jan 25 2001
Strap
2 Responses (last posting: Mon, May 14 2001)

Hey people, I just want to give some advise (if needed). A lot of beginning bassplayers always hang their guitars really low just because it looks cooler. But when you sit on...
Mark Grausam
Wed, Jan 17 2001
5 String Slapping Technique
3 Responses (last posting: Sun, Feb 11 2001)

Hi! The last thread about 5 string thumb positions got me thinking about something else related to this. What is an efficient technique for slapping/popping on a 5 string? More...
Eric
Mon, Jan 15 2001
5 String thumb position
5 Responses (last posting: Thu, Nov 14 2002)

I play lefty, so I hate to say RH thumb, because for me its my left... ;^) But anyway your book advocates only using the low string and pickup as thumbrests, but not other strings,...
Nate
Wed, Jan 10 2001
Speaking of Carol Kaye
3 Responses (last posting: Fri, Oct 25 2002)

Hi Peter. I was surfing the net today and came across your response to Caral Kaye in and old Bottom line. I think it was from 96. Kinda of ironic that you just mentioned it...
Upula C
Sat, Dec 30 2000
Mark King's Thumbing the Bass
4 Responses (last posting: Tue, Jun 28 2005)

Hi, I am a bass player who's a bit funk oriented. I have a question. Would somebody tell me how Mark King basses the Lessons in Love by slapping. Is is a mix of inverted thumb...
chad smith
Sat, Nov 18 2000
Carol Kaye methods?
1 Response (last posting: Tue, Nov 21 2000)

Hello out there! I'm wondering if anybody has looked into Carol Kaye's pedagogy materials(2videos,Jazz Bass Improv etc...) She generally steers away from learning endless scales...
Minstrel
Thu, Nov 9 2000
need some help here
1 Response (last posting: Sat, Nov 11 2000)

hey good people may somebody give me an advice how to play metal...bass lines...i mean i have a lack of speed what should i do..
Mark Grausam
Sun, Oct 8 2000
Pinky Muting and More...
3 Responses (last posting: Sun, Nov 5 2000)

Greetings! After picking up Peter's EBT book, I have a few questions that I'm still unclear about. Pinky Muting (right hand)....I've found is quite awkward to successfully execute....
GREG P
Wed, Oct 4 2000
12 BAND GRAPHIC
3 Responses (last posting: Wed, May 1 2002)

hey guys, I have just purchased a new rig (Trace Elliot 350 watt head,Duncan-Seymour quad box & Gallion Krueger 15" with horn) its awesome,but, I have no idea how to use the 12...
matt c.
Wed, Sep 6 2000
64th notes
2 Responses (last posting: Sun, Sep 10 2000)

I am trying to learn 64th notes. my fingers just can't stay in rythem. there is a technique where youu tape your fingers together. does anybody know about this?
John E.
Fri, Jul 14 2000
Righthand-Technique
8 Responses (last posting: Fri, Sep 20 2002)

Hi, I'm John and I really want to know a technique that i can use on my bassguitar that would STOP the "ticking" of my strings agains the fretbord. I use a three finger technique...
John
Mon, Jul 10 2000
5,6, and 7 String Basses: Why?
43 Responses (last posting: Wed, Dec 27 2006)

What is going wrong with the world today? Everyone is a damned follower and playing these weird, useless instruments. If you need a few low notes, you loosen the fourth string...
paul galbraith
Wed, Jul 5 2000
books
1 Response (last posting: Sun, Aug 6 2000)

Can anyone recommend any bass books without tab, but not just sight reading. Preferably jazz books.
xarberry
Wed, Jul 5 2000
Confused Digits
1 Response (last posting: Fri, Oct 6 2000)

Whenever I play the acoustic bass at all(using the 3-finger Carol method), even for just a few minutes, my left hand is extensively confused when I go back to 6-string, which is...
paul galbraith
Tue, Jul 4 2000
i'll be quick..
No Responses

OK, place pinky fretting finger on g string on D. rest spare fingers over EAD. Slap position. Hook middle finger on G, rake EADG with finger 1 and pluck with finger 2. Work...
michael rhoads
Fri, Jun 16 2000
right hand fingering technique
1 Response (last posting: Wed, Jul 5 2000)

I just started playing bass and am having trouble playing using my right hand....it seems that when im using my fingers to play note and want it to ring while i hit a note underneath...
paulgalbraith
Thu, Jun 1 2000
he he finger flicking
1 Response (last posting: Wed, Jun 7 2000)

thank you for the reply, but wait theres more... only 1 topic this time. I've been expermenting with finger flicking flicking & i've found some very energy efficient techniques:) When...
Michel
Mon, May 29 2000
Left-hand fingering
3 Responses (last posting: Mon, Jul 10 2000)

Hi Pete In your book you seems to advocate one finger per fret. What do you thing of using the two last finger (pinky and ring) when playing in the lower register (less strain...
paul galbraith
Wed, May 24 2000
more technique just for pete :)
1 Response (last posting: Tue, May 30 2000)

Hi Pete, I'm new to this site but here are some suggestions from a self taught bassist who has studied technique like a fool! When playing standard walking fingerstyle, rather...
Frank
Sat, Mar 4 2000
Scale fingering
4 Responses (last posting: Sat, Jun 3 2000)

Help! I am trying to find fingering patterns for two and three octave scale patterns on a 4-string. Any tips would be appreciated. Also, does anyone know of any web sites with...
bob
Mon, Feb 21 2000
what bass to get
4 Responses (last posting: Sun, Dec 11 2005)

i have 800 australian dollars. what is the best bass i can get for this amount.
Tim C
Sat, Feb 19 2000
double slap method
No Responses

hello. i am new to playing bass, about one year. i play the drums, about five years. anyway. i have taught myself, and being into timing from playing drums i used that knowledge...
Tim C
Sat, Feb 19 2000
wrist injury
2 Responses (last posting: Sun, Feb 20 2000)

i have a sore wrist. not just from playing, but from sport mainly. does anyone know the best way to treat it? i know the answer is probably to rest it, but i need it to heal quickly....
Tim C
Sat, Feb 19 2000
Primus
2 Responses (last posting: Wed, Sep 6 2000)

Does anyone like playing primus, and have any special techniques that les uses that you could share with me? thanks.
Robert Randolph
Tue, Jan 25 2000
Fretless conversion
3 Responses (last posting: Wed, Nov 1 2006)

I have an old bass I was looking to convert to fretless... Any suggestions on how to do this? Please give as much detail as possible... I love fretless basses, I own 3 (as well...
Emerger17
Thu, Jan 20 2000
Breakin' strings
3 Responses (last posting: Mon, Jan 24 2000)

Hey slappers, thumpers, and poppers, how often is it customary to break a string? I've probably been getting into my sound too much lately, and am constantly cutting my fingers,...
Glen Paulin
Wed, Jan 19 2000
Self Teaching?
4 Responses (last posting: Tue, May 9 2000)

Hi, i was wundering if it is possible to teach yourself how to play a 4 string bass, i would like to learn how to read and play tabs, but i dont want to spend my time and money...
Tom Gulotta
Sat, Dec 25 1999
Brushing across strings
5 Responses (last posting: Sat, Feb 19 2000)

I am a self taught player who played about 20 years and then quit for about ten years. I'm stating up again now and I'm trying to "re learn". I want to take advantage of this...
Pőcze Balázs
Fri, Dec 17 1999
Some fretless thing
2 Responses (last posting: Wed, Sep 6 2000)

Hi people! (Sorry, if my English is not good, but I'm from Hungary) Can someone help me, how to play slap technique in a fretless bass? I've heard PRIMUS, and there they can do...
Mark Grausam
Tue, Nov 30 1999
Active Issues in B.T.?
2 Responses (last posting: Wed, Dec 1 1999)

HI Peter Let me just say that your book was excellent and very clear (I've already found my 'reader response' at your website to my surprise!) My question...when will your "Active...
Clayton
Thu, Nov 25 1999
Chords
2 Responses (last posting: Sat, Feb 19 2000)

Hi I just bought a 4 string bass guitar about a week ago and i don't know how to play could you tell me some chords. Very easy ones or basic ones.
Peter Murray
Mon, Oct 18 1999
Welcome Back!
1 Response (last posting: Mon, Dec 6 1999)

Hi folks, apologies for any confusion at or around this site recently -- as you may have noticed, Thermidor Music now has its own web domain, and there was some downtime during the...
Seb
Fri, Aug 20 1999
The chicken
2 Responses (last posting: Wed, Sep 8 1999)

Hi, I'm french and bassist and i search a notation of a tune from J.Pastorius "the chicken". I hope find this notation and especially the version of the birthday concert. Thanks,...
Paul Hurley
Sun, Aug 15 1999
Jamming Partners
1 Response (last posting: Mon, Aug 16 1999)

Hi there..my name is Paul and I'm from Dublin, Ireland...I'd love to hook up with any fellow bassists in Ireland..just to exchange licks, tips and ideas...e-mail me at sampa@indigo.ie My...
Peter Murray
Wed, Aug 4 1999
5-string Muting
No Responses

Hi all -- things are a little too quiet here these days, so I thought I'd try to stir things up with a question of my own. I'm newly converted to 5-string, and have had to adapt...
Wan
Thu, Jun 10 1999
LH movement
3 Responses (last posting: Tue, Jun 22 1999)

I watch the jazz channel a lot. One thing I notice about most of the bass players is that there LH barely moves when they are smacking and popping. Could you explain how they...
Wan
Thu, Jun 10 1999
Scales and Modes
2 Responses (last posting: Tue, Jun 22 1999)

Hi! I've been playing for two years. I was in the music store listening to this guy play the bass. He was playing really fast. I could tell he was improving. I approached him...
Dimitris
Fri, Jun 4 1999
Left hand cramp during a live!
3 Responses (last posting: Tue, Jun 8 1999)

Hi, I've been playing bass for almost 15 years and I recently experienced a terrible left hand cramp during a live that performed at an open air stage (in a Greek island -- Greece...
Dan
Wed, Jun 2 1999
RH three finger playing
3 Responses (last posting: Tue, Jul 20 1999)

hey.. One of the Techniques i try to develop, is playing with my three fingers in my RH using a simple 3rd-2nd-1st finger pattern. So, any ideas or tips to keep a nice time and consistent...
DANDABEAST
Tue, Jun 1 1999
Slap Harmonic?
3 Responses (last posting: Sun, Jul 11 1999)

Peter Hi.. nice site.. love it. As i was trying to discover new things on my Cortez bass (i've never heard of that either).. i discover (for myself at least) that when placing...
rob
Tue, May 18 1999
need help finding material
1 Response (last posting: Wed, May 19 1999)

I've been playing bass for about 3 years now and i'm kind of stuck. I enjoy listening to music like punk and ska and I play on and off in a band, but i would like to find something...
mud
Sun, Apr 25 1999
Embarrassing Topic
8 Responses (last posting: Sun, Apr 16 2006)

I feel that I must justify this first, I have played bass for 20 years. I play regularly (2-3 times a week) practicing, or playing at open jams. I have always used round wound...
Austin
Tue, Apr 13 1999
Left Hand Thumb Position
5 Responses (last posting: Sun, May 2 1999)

I've been playing guitar for about 12 years and I just recently got a bass. Since I didn't want to carry any bad guitar techniques to the bass, I got the Essential Bass Technique...
Beau
Mon, Apr 12 1999
a rest stroke
2 Responses (last posting: Thu, Sep 22 2005)

I play an acoustic bass guitar and I have no idea where to rest my thumb when playing the low e string. If there's any good technique you know on how to practice I would greatly appreciate...
Brad Purkey
Fri, Apr 9 1999
plucking pain
1 Response (last posting: Sun, Apr 11 1999)

I have been playing a lot this last week and have developed a painful callous/blister(?) on my main plucking finger. I have two shows this weekend and need some advice on how...
Rudy
Mon, Apr 5 1999
Another Jaco question! (about muting)
5 Responses (last posting: Wed, Jun 2 1999)

How does jaco get those very very short muted notes that he uses in songs like "the chicken", "barbary coast", and most of his funk numbers. I know jaco epoxied his fingerboard...
TONY
Thu, Apr 1 1999
PICK-UPS
1 Response (last posting: Thu, Apr 1 1999)

I play a Fender jazz bass with EMG-pick ups. The sound quality has improved but I'm not fully satisfied : When I turn up treble there's also an increasing shishing noise. Can you...
JOHN
Wed, Mar 31 1999
INTRO BIRDLAND
2 Responses (last posting: Sun, Apr 25 1999)

I've listened to the intro of weather report's "birdland". I think Jaco Pastorius used false harmonics here. Can you explain me how to play this intro with false harmonics.
Tony
Mon, Mar 29 1999
false harmonics
1 Response (last posting: Tue, Mar 30 1999)

I've listened to Jaco Pastorius and I like the way he used false harmonics. Can you explain me how to play this technique on my bass?
DavidDaKine
Wed, Mar 24 1999
Sliding
2 Responses (last posting: Mon, Apr 5 1999)

Great forum! I haven't read your book but will check it out next time I'm in the store. My question today has to do with sliding. Sometimes I play a double-stop and then slide...
Richard
Sun, Mar 21 1999
Muting
1 Response (last posting: Mon, Mar 22 1999)

Hi, I've just started playing bass and one thing that is puzzling me at the outset is how to stop the strings from ringing after I play a note. Intuitive methods like finger damping...
dean
Sun, Mar 14 1999
triplets ala Tower Of Power's bassist
1 Response (last posting: Tue, Mar 16 1999)

Pls tell me the secret of the master bassist that plays for TOP. He is to me the baddest bass around. His lines and grooves light up my life. Long Live The King (Tower of Power)...
steve lawson
Mon, Mar 8 1999
new essential technique
2 Responses (last posting: Thu, May 20 1999)

Dear Pete I encountered a situation this January in which I was ill equipped technique wise to respond. Do you have any advice for a NAMM show novice who's schmoozing technique...
Ben Littauer
Tue, Feb 23 1999
Pick v. Finger
1 Response (last posting: Tue, Feb 23 1999)

I'm a progressive rock fan, and I'm wondering if you have any comment on the sound diffence between picked bass and fingered. I believe a lot of influential bassists generally...
Antti
Thu, Feb 4 1999
bass
3 Responses (last posting: Mon, Mar 29 1999)

hi!!how i can learn to make bass line??
Douglas Polhamius
Mon, Jan 18 1999
Carpal tunnel syndrm.
1 Response (last posting: Tue, Jan 19 1999)

Has anyone had a problem with C.T.S, any cures suggestions?
Ernie Tichenor
Sun, Oct 11 1998
Jack Bruce technique
3 Responses (last posting: Wed, May 5 1999)

I've been playing bass for several years now, and am very interested in learning more about the playing style of Jack Bruce. Any suggestions on specific areas to study? Thanks....
Mason Bissett
Mon, Oct 5 1998
triplets and such
1 Response (last posting: Mon, Oct 26 1998)

Hi, Peter! This is a really interesting and helpful looking page you've got here, so I'd like to take advantage of it and ask you a question, like everybody else: I've been playing...
Paul haustead
Tue, Sep 15 1998
Ear training
1 Response (last posting: Tue, Sep 22 1998)

I have great difficulty trying to pick out other musicians basslines when listening to records. Can you suggest and techiques that would help me?
Brad Purkey
Fri, Aug 21 1998
Keeping time?!
1 Response (last posting: Sun, Aug 23 1998)

I wear a watch on my fretting hand and someone told me that this could eventually cause arthritis. Any thoughts? I have played guitar and bass this way about 1/3 of my 15 years playing,...
Brad Purkey
Mon, Aug 10 1998
Pinky?/Rt Wrist angle?
3 Responses (last posting: Tue, Jun 8 1999)

I have heard contrasting theories on whether or not to use the pinky on the fretting hand. I started on guitar and find it natural to do so(although some of the reaches are tougher...
John
Mon, Aug 10 1998
Harmonics
2 Responses (last posting: Tue, Mar 23 1999)

I've messed around with harmonics and false harmonics a little bit, but I don't quite fully understand how to execute them or what tone I'm getting out of the harmonic. [Ex.] If...
John Robertson
Sun, Aug 9 1998
Right Hand Thumb Position
5 Responses (last posting: Mon, Apr 26 1999)

I would be interested to hear people's thoughts on right hand thumb position. I play a 4 string and have developed a technique of anchoring my thumb on the pickup and using my...
Tony Posaterri
Sat, Aug 8 1998
Technique
2 Responses (last posting: Sun, Aug 9 1998)

Hi Peter, I really enjoy working through your book. I am pretty much a beginner, trying to get my technique together. I'm told I have to alternate fingers in the right hand....